5 things

The leaves are changing, the breeze is blowing, we can all walk outside without living in constant fear of spontaneously combusting. Don’t you just love Richmond in the fall? Anyhoo, here are 5 things to help you enjoy the autumn-y goodness over the next few days. (ALSO: GIVEAWAY ALERT!)

September 30, 2010; 6:00 AM • by Valerie Catrow

1. Ferdinand and the Bull

Based on the fabulous children’s book The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf and Robert Lawson, this bilingual musical sends a great message about being yourself no matter what. At approximately one hour long, kids as young as three should even be able to handle it.

Opens Friday, October 1 and runs through October 17 (performance times vary)
Empire Theatre (114 W. Broad Street)
Adults $18, seniors (65+) $17, children (12 and under) $14

GIVEAWAY! We’ve got a pair of tickets to Friday night’s show of Ferdinand. Enter to win them here. The contest closes at noon today — we’ll notify the winners via email.

2. Touch a Truck 2010

The Junior League and… really big trucks. Not what one would consider the most “expected” combination, but just go with it. Kids of all ages will get an opportunity to explore construction trucks, emergency vehicles, utility vehicles, tractor trailers, buses, and more, while also getting a chance to meet the people who build, protect and serve the Richmond community.

Saturday, October 2 (10am to 3pm)
Richmond International Raceway (602 E. Laburnum Avenue — this is a change from last year)
Individuals $5, Family 4-pack $15

3. 6th Annual Italian Street Festival

A day spent gorging myself on pasta, pizza, gelato, and the like? Sign me up! Now where are my stretchy pants? In addition to the delicious food, there will also be a marketplace, live entertainment, and chances to win some pretty incredible prizes, including a seven-day, six-night stay at a bed and breakfast in Tuscany, a 40-inch HD TV, or $300 cash. Not bad.

Saturday, October 2 (11am to 8pm) and Sunday, October 3 (11am to 6pm)
Horticultural Gardens at the Richmond Raceway Complex (602 E. Laburnum Avenue)
$2 (proceeds benefiting The Fisher House of Richmond)

4. 2nd Street Festival

Come celebrate the rich culture of historic Jackson Ward with unbelievable food, fun activities for the whole family, and the music…oh the music. Just go. It isn’t one of the the Mid-Atlantic’s largest street festivals for nothing.

Saturday, October 2 (noon to 10pm) and Sunday, October 3 (noon to 6pm)
2nd Street
Free admission

5. Live at Ipanema: The Diamond Center

The Diamond Center appeared at Live at Ipanema in December of 2009, but things got a little wonky with the recording. In fact, as the sound guy Allen Bergendahl explains it, “The last time The Diamond Center came they rocked so hard all my equipment exploded.” If that doesn’t entice you to go check out their second attempt at a Live at Ipanema installment, well, I don’t know what to tell you.

Sunday, October 3 (10pm)
Ipanema Cafe (917 W. Grace Street)
Free!

None of these work for you? You’ve also got A Taste of Carytown, the official kickoff of First Friday’s 10th season, a couple more days at the State Fair, oh, just tons of stuff. Check out our Events Calendar for more ideas.

As the editor of RVANews, Valerie Catrow spends most of her time wrangling people over email and muttering to herself about the content calendar. She also contributes to our parenting column while maintaining her own blog, Made in Richmond. It should be noted that she loves tots, both the potato and child varieties.